BS in Aviation in Aviation Management

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Delaware State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Aviation Management at Delaware State University is designed for students who want to lead and innovate in the aviation industry. This program blends a strong business foundation with specialised aviation coursework, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in airport management, air traffic control, airline administration, and regulatory agencies.

Curriculum Structure:

  • Year 1: Students start with foundational courses such as AVIA-191 University Seminar I and AVIA-192 University Seminar II, which introduce university life and the aviation field. They also take AVIA-102 Private Pilot Certification (with optional AVIA-102L Private Pilot Lab), MTSC-121 College Algebra, and ENGL-101 English Composition I, building essential academic and aviation knowledge.

  • Year 2: The second year deepens aviation and business understanding with AVIA-211 Meteorology (and AVIA-211L Meteorology Lab), AVIA-310 Flight Safety, and MGMT-100 Introduction to Business. Students also take ECON-208 Introduction to Statistics or MTSC-341 Probability, and ENGL-200 Speech, developing analytical and communication skills vital for aviation management.

  • Year 3: In the third year, students focus on management and operational aspects with AVIA-370 Airport Planning & Management, AVIA-350 Air Traffic Control, and AVIA-312 Operations Management. Business acumen is built through ACCT-204 Accounting I, ACCT-205 Accounting II, and HRM-320 Human Resources Management. Courses like GLOB-395 Global Societies and MGMT-305 Management Information Systems broaden students’ global and technological perspectives.

  • Year 4: The final year emphasises leadership and advanced industry knowledge. Students complete AVIA-450 International Air Transport (the senior capstone), AVIA-333 Crew Resource Management, AVIA-489 Aviation Legislation, and AVIA-440 Airline Management. Management skills are refined with HRM-330 Management/Employee Relations, MGMT-201 Managerial Communications, MGMT-325 Organisational Behaviour, and MGMT-440 International Management.

Focus areas: Airport management, airline administration, air traffic control, aviation safety, aviation law, business and organisational leadership.

Learning outcomes: Graduates will be prepared to manage airports and airlines, ensure regulatory compliance, oversee air traffic operations, and lead teams in diverse aviation settings.

Professional alignment (Accreditation): The program is FAA Part 141 approved and recognised by the State of Delaware Education Department and the Veterans Administration for Veterans flight training, ensuring alignment with industry and regulatory standards.

Reputation (Employability rankings): Delaware State University boasts a 100% job placement rate for aviation graduates over the past 20 years, strong industry partnerships (including Piedmont Airlines and the Delaware River and Bay Authority), and competitive tuition and flight fees, making it one of the most respected aviation programs on the East Coast.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Delaware State University’s BS in Aviation with a concentration in Aviation Management offers a robust, hands-on education supported by outstanding facilities and unique industry partnerships. You’ll develop practical skills in airport management, aviation safety, personnel management, and regulatory compliance, all while learning from experienced faculty and engaging with real-world aviation organisations.

Experiential learning is central to the program, and you’ll have access to resources and opportunities that set DSU apart:

  • Dedicated fleet and hangar: DSU owns and operates its own fleet of 22–26 aircraft, including Piper planes, providing you with direct exposure to airport operations and aviation management in a real-world setting.

  • State-of-the-art hangar facility: The university’s nearly new hangar supports both flight operations and aviation management training, giving you insight into aircraft logistics, maintenance oversight, and facility management.

  • Work-study and internship partnerships: DSU maintains an excellent working relationship with the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA). Many students gain hands-on experience through work-study jobs or internships at DRBA, with some securing full-time positions after graduation.

  • Industry partnerships: DSU has formal agreements with United Airlines (United Aviate program) and Alaska Airlines (True North Pilot Development Program), offering management students access to career development resources, networking, and streamlined pathways into the aviation industry.

  • FAA-approved program: The Aviation Management curriculum is part of DSU’s FAA Part 141-approved program, ensuring industry-standard training and eligibility for advanced roles in airport and airline management.

  • Veterans flight training approval: The program is approved by the State of Delaware Education Department for Veterans Flight Training, expanding access and support for military-affiliated students.

  • Experienced faculty and staff: Learn from instructors with deep industry backgrounds, including leadership with military and commercial aviation experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BS in Aviation with a concentration in Aviation Management at Delaware State University (DSU) are prepared for high-impact roles such as airport manager, airline operations supervisor, air traffic control specialist, and aviation business analyst. DSU’s strong business foundation and industry partnerships ensure that students are ready to lead in both public and private aviation sectors.

  • University services: DSU offers hands-on training at its own fleet of 26 aircraft, state-of-the-art facilities at Delaware Airpark, and dedicated academic advising. The program’s student-centred approach emphasises safety, professionalism, and a global perspective, with support from experienced faculty and staff.

  • Employment stats and salary figures: DSU boasts a 100% industry placement rate for aviation graduates, with alumni moving into roles at regional and major airlines, corporate aviation, airport management, and regulatory agencies. Aviation management professionals typically enjoy strong starting salaries, especially in the Northeast corridor.

  • University–industry partnerships: DSU has strategic partnerships with leading organisations like Alaska Airlines (True North Pilot Development Program), Atlas Air’s University Pathway Program, Piedmont Airlines, Continental Airlines, and DuPont Aviation. These partnerships provide students with preferential interviews, internships, and direct hiring pathways.

  • Long-term accreditation value: The program is FAA Part 141 approved, recognised by the State of Delaware Education Department and the Veteran’s Administration, and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This ensures your degree is respected by employers nationwide.

  • Graduation outcomes: DSU Aviation Management graduates are qualified for advanced training and fill vacancies in air traffic control, the FAA, airline companies, corporate aviation, and all levels of airport management. The program’s business-driven curriculum gives graduates a competitive edge in the aviation industry.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Aviation Management at DSU, you can pursue graduate studies such as a Master’s in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or Public Administration. These advanced degrees open doors to executive roles in airline management, airport planning, aviation safety, and regulatory leadership, allowing you to further specialize and advance your career in the global aviation industry.

Program Key Stats

$21,544
$ 35
Aug Intake : 1st Feb


62 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

BBC
3.0
24
70

860 - 1070
22 - 24
6.5
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Airport Manager
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Federal Aviation Administration Specialist
  • Airline Operations Manager
  • Corporate Aviation Manager
  • Airport Administrator
  • Aviation Safety Manager
  • Aviation Regulatory Specialist
  • Flight Dispatcher
  • Aviation Consultant

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